To all,
I really, really appreciate the help and advice, thank you.
I wanted to reach back out and try to document as much of this process as I can for future veterans and anyone else confused about this process.
I've made some progress in my understanding of the process that I have to follow.
1) If you are unsure as to what you should expect if your FAA medical exam is deferred, reach out to your regional flight surgeon and ask, it took less than 24 working ours for their response and led me down the correct path in regards to preparedness for my situation in the case of a deferment. In my case I am grabbing all medical records mental and otherwise from veterans affairs to submit alongside my FAA Class III exam. I also am having a short evaluation of my care done within the next week with my medical psychologist through the VA. It was impressed upon me to have a summary of care written up by my psychologist, my overall state with PTSD and how it is under control, and if it will have any consequence with regards to aviation.
2) Complete the FAA Class III medical exam and await pass or deferment. If deferred immediately file for an extension, this will give you more time to complete exams and re-submit for the medical. Have your cash available for any required screening by a third party psychiatrist or psychologist. Estimates for how much will be required to pay for these exams vary by how extensive the screenings must be. Essentially, I got a quote of from anywhere between $1100.00ish for the psych exam, $500.00ish COG screen, and if a full workup is required and multiple tests, upwards of $3-5000.00ish.
These are by no means "the gospel" when it comes to price tags,it will vary by office and location.
Also: the exams must be done by a FAA rated mental health professional, there is a list available through the FAA but I've had trouble finding it, this is a SMALL community of health professionals I was told around 90 people in the states. I believe Dr. Bruce has the low-down as to their whereabouts as well, and can probably provide a more in depth way of finding these professionals and the ones that apply specifically to you. I found a local doc to me by sheer luck through google and calling around, regardless I have what I need and am moving forward.
3) once these are done, re-submit to the FAA within the required window and await pass or fail.
This will take some time this doesn't happen over night patience is key, and keeping up in spirits.
Sources:
Find regional Flight Surgeons Office:
https://www.faa.gov/licenses_certificates/medical_certification/rfs/
Medical Exam requirements:
https://www.faa.gov/about/office_or.../aam/ame/guide/dec_cons/disease_prot/ppevals/
